Turkey's Best Trio

Guests will be picked up and brought to the Sultanahmet district, the oldest, most historic part of the city. The first stop of the day will be the Hagia Sophia, as our tour guide explains the significance of this massive building that was once a Christian church, then a mosque, then a museum and now a mosque. Afterward, we will pass the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where we will see the sites impressive obelisk, before reaching the Blue Mosque. We should be sure to take pictures of both the interior and exterior of this impressive building. Next, we will continue to the Grand Bazaar, a massive, bustling complex to find clothing, decorative furnishings, food, and more. On the way to the bazaar, we will see other historical monuments, like the Tomb of Sultan Ahmet I, the Firuz Aga Mosque, and the exterior of the Tomb of Mehmed II. After our visit to the Grand Bazaar, we will make a brief stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Afterward, the guests are returned to their hotels.

Important Notices 

• In case the Grand Bazaar is closed, ARASTA bazaar will be given instead.

• For ladies, they have to wear scarf to be able to visit the mosques.

Highlights: Dervent Valley, Pasabag, Avanos, Zelve Open Airt Museum

Lunch: Open Buffet 

Our first real encounter with Cappadocia almost Martian landscape is in the Dervent valley. We visit Pasabag’s “fairy chimneys”, where the voice of the wind harmonizes with songs of the fairies. From here we pause at Avanos center of terracotta art which is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river and is its production of earthenware pottery, it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has always been used. A visit to the ceramic & tile center to see how the ceramics are made by hand. After lunch, we visit the famous Zelve Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. People of Goreme, at the heart of the Cappadocia Region, realized that these soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches, and monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post-iconoclastic period. These frescoes are a unique artistic achievement from this period. You visit a carpet cooperative, where you'll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. We complete the tour with a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. 

SPECIAL NOTES 

Guests must be able to walk approximately 1, 5 miles over uneven and cobblestone surfaces. Comfortable shoes, a hat, and plenty of sunscreens are recommended as shade is limited the order of the tour itinerary may vary to avoid congestion. Guests should watch their steps at all times to avoid injuries.

This immersive sightseeing tour begins at around 9:30 in the morning. First, head to the Duden Waterfalls National Park, the most visited in the Antalya region. Walk through this beautiful park and listen the sound of rushing water. Behind the main waterfall, there is a natural cave where you can watch the cascades. Do not leave this place without taking great pictures behind the water flow and walking along the river with turquoise-colored waters. Once lunch at a local restaurant is finished, you will be given one hour to an hour and a half of free time to explore the old town (Kaleici). Get to see see top attractions of the city: Hadrianus Gate, Clock Tower, Kesik Minare (Truncated Minaret), and ancient city walls dating back to the second century. Old Town with its narrow stony streets is also a great place to explore a considerable number of boutiques, art galleries, and interesting museums. And don't forget to buy some memorable souvenirs from the authentic shops before leaving Kaleici! End the day with a convenient transfer back to your hotel.